The Meaning Of Family

A/N: Sorry it took me so long to update! I had planned to update last week, but for this past last week I've little amount of sleep and a bad tooth ache that I tried to ignore, knowing it would get better eventually.. Which it did, kind of Lol! Anyway I didn't want to type the chapter up when my mind was too sleepy! So now I can finally update... And I know I've used some things said from the book, but I was stumped on what else I couldv'e put, so I made it the same.. sorry! Anyway here's chapter 13! Read, review and enjoy!
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"Talk"

'Thoughts'

~Parseltongue~

"Mental communications"

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Chapter 13

Trick or Treat

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Quirrell walked into the headmaster's office after being told to enter, wondering what exactly it was the man wanted him for. "You wanted to see me, Dumbledore?" Quirrell enquired, standing at the door after closing it behind him.

Dumbledore smiled eyes twinkling merrily. "Ah Quirrell, please take a seat!" He offered gesturing to the seat in front of his large desk. Quirrell walked forward and took the offered seat, waiting quietly for Dumbledore to continue. "Lemon drop?" He asked kindly, lifting the bowl filled with round little yellow balls.

Quirrell shot a glance at the bowl as if they were going to bite his hand off if he touched it. "No thank you, Sir," he declined, "you wanted to see me?" He repeated looking back up at Dumbledore, letting the man know that he wanted him to hurry up and get to the point.

"Yes I did," Dumbeldore said after putting a lemon drop into his mouth, "I need you to do something for me, Professor Quirrell!"

"Oh?" Quirrell questioned.

"During the Halloween feast to be precise." Dumbledore added cheerfully.

His curiousity now at full attention. "What would you have me do?"

"We need to test young Harry in preparation for him to meet Voldemort -" he ignored Quirrell's flinch at the name, "- one day, but he's got a long way to go and many things to learn before that day comes, and I need to know how he will react in dangerous situations, and how he copes in making decisions at a moments notice." Dumbledore explained.

"You don't think he's a bit young at the moment though, Sir?" asked Quirrell, though not really caring. As long as it helped him with his own goals, he wouldn't complain.

"He is young yes, but I'm afraid the poor boy wouldn't stand a chance without receiving help and these tests will allow me to understand better at what measures need to be taken." Dumbledore elaborated.

"What did you have in mind as a test?" Quirrell frowned.

"I'll leave that up to you, I'm sure whatever you choose will be suitable after all you are the Defence Against The Dark Arts Teacher." Dumbledore smiled.

Quirrell thought for a moment, thinking that this must be some kind of trick, before slowly nodding in agreement and rising to his feet, "I will be sure to see to it Dumbledore." He answered calmly, then walked to the door. Just as he was about to place his hand on the handle a voice stopped him short.

"Oh, and Quirrell?" Dumbledore said, getting Quirrell's attention once more before the man could leave his office.

Turning around he raised an eyebrow in question, "yes?"

"Make sure that what ever it is you do, you do it in the Dungeons where the Slytherin's will be heading." Dumbledore said jovially. As if they weren't discussing putting his students, that were suppose to be able to trust him, in danger.

"Of course Headmaster!" He replied, then left the office, closing the door behind him and making his way back to his chambers.

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Rayden was sitting on his bed with his back to the door as he read one of his third year books. Braeden sat on his own bed facing him as they did their own things. It was mid October and Rayden was getting frustrated.

Not only did he have to put up with everyone staring, pointing and whispering about him everywhere he went, he knew the peace he had previously been enjoying wouldn't last long. But he was having trouble finding a place where he could practice his sword fighting in a secluded place where no-one would be able to find him. He had brought it to Hogwarts and kept it locked in one of his compartments in his trunk in hopes of being able to train, thinking that in a big castle with plenty of hidden rooms and secret passages he was sure to get the privacy he needed to be able to do it. But frustratingly he hadn't been lucky enough to find that room yet. He knew it was there somewhere but unfortunately it was still hidden from him, but he was not going to give up in what he wanted. He knew he would find it, he just didn't know when.

He had yet to approach Quirrell, and he had a feeling something was coming, he didn't know what, but he knew it was coming soon, and he also knew the DADA Professor would have something to do with it, so he resolved himself to keeping an extra eye on the man.

He was a bit surprised Dumbledore hadn't asked him to his office yet for another chat and the fact that the man had been so quiet made Rayden wonder what they were up to.

"Rayden?" Braeden said quietly. Abruptly pulling him out of his thoughts.

He looked up at Braeden, raising his eyebrow expectantly. "Yes?" he enquired when Braeden didn't continue.

"I'm bored, do you want to go for a walk?" Braeden asked softly, he didn't want the other boys in the room to hear them and try to invite themselves along with them or follow them for that matter.

"Sure, where to?" Rayden asked, snapping the book closed that he appeared to be reading but couldn't seem to concentrate on it for more than a minute before his mind would drift off.

"I don't know... it's a nice afternoon so we can just walk around the grounds and see where we end up!" He suggested closing his own book as well.

They stood up, grabbed their robes and after putting them on left their dormitory. They walked through the corridors and made their way outside, walking around the grounds for a bit as the walk warmed Rayden up from the cool weather. They ended up at the Quidditch pitch and decided to watch the Slytherin team have their weekend practice session. Staying there quietly, talking occasionally as the sky became darker and darker.

"We better head back for dinner!" Rayden said standing up. The Slytherin team had already disappeared to the stalls.

"Yeah, because I'm just so hungry for human food!" Braeden smirked playfully.

Rayden shook his head in silent amusement, "well you might not have to eat human food and only have to munch on the human, but I still do, remember?" He stated with the sly half smile the Vampire was quickly growing attached to. He had his hair out and his bangs covering his eyes, only allowing a little of the iced emeralds to show as they shone an eery dark green in the darkness that surrounded them, the whole image was just the way Braeden liked it, and he was only to aware that the humans in the school liked it also, Rayden wasn't blind to it all and he liked it that way too and the effect it had on everyone if him wearing it that way was anything to go by.

Braeden grinned, his fangs glinting proudly in the moonlight. "Come on, we better go then, before you get too hungry and try to feast on me!"

"I guess your lucky then, that at the moment I don't feel like an all liquid meal!" Rayden smirked.

"I wouldn't call that lucky." Braeden mumbled under his breath, but Rayden still heard him.

Snorting quietly, Rayden led the way down the stands and back onto the grounds as they made their way back to the castle and into the Great Hall. Taking their usual seats, they waited for the rest of the school to enter, the Hall slowly filling with noise as the students made their way to their tables, chatting with their friends.

Rayden filled his plate once the food appeared after everyone had taken their seats, and began to eat. Watching in hidden amusement as Braeden did the same and pretended to put the food in his mouth, then discretely made it disappear before moving his hand away from in front of his mouth. He was surprised it hadn't been noticed yet by anyone in view of his sides, but then again no-one was interested in looking closely enough to see if a student was really eating or not, and they didn't have as good eyesight as him to notice things in more detail, and Braeden was good at covering it up he supposed. But still, he wondered how long it would be before someone supposedly as powerful as Dumbledore would notice the slight pulse of different magic then that of a wizard's was being used in the Great Hall during every meal, although there was enough magic in the ari for it to go unnoticed. He only hoped it would stay that way and Dumbledore wouldn't find out.

Feeling eyes on him, Rayden casually looked up at the Professor's table and raised an eyebrow in question when he saw Quirrell staring at him curiously, absently eating his food as if in a trance but quickly looking away when he was caught.

Rolling his eyes at how pathetic it was Rayden turned away, deciding he'd rather eat his dinner and let the man mull over his thoughts all he wanted, whatever it was he was trying to figure out, Rayden was sure he's find out soon enough anyway.

After dinner Rayden and Braeden walked quietly to their dorm room, "I'm having a shower then going to bed!" Rayden said quietly grabbing a change of clothes and going into his bathroom. Turning on the shower he undressed and sighed as the warm water hit his skin and ran down his body.

Once he was fully relaxed Rayden got out of his shower, took his time in drying himself, dressed into his black silk pyjamas, then getting comfortable in his bed.

"Night Rayden." Braeden whispered with a small smile.

"Night Braeden." Rayden replied quietly, somewhat suspicious of the smile he could see on the others face, before shrugging it off. Rayden closed his curtains, charmed them with his usual spells, said goodnight to his familiars and fell asleep in his warm cozy bed.

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Rayden was sitting next to Braeden at the Slytherin table as they tried to appear to be enjoying the Halloween feast, the truth was, he wished he couldv'e been out hunting instead. Rayden wanted to experience the thrill of hunting with another Vampire as he had never been able to do it before and it being with one his own age was just the added bonus, with the adrenaline rush running through his veins as they hunted their delicious prey. He knew Braeden would much rather being doing the same thing, it's not like he could eat the food no matter what sort of feast it was anyway so he knew the other Vampire was bored.

He wasn't usually interested in the festivities of Halloween anyway, the only thing he was looking forward to was the niggling feeling he had been experiencing all month that he was certain was going to get to breaking point tonight. He just knew something was going to happen. Just not what, or exactly when. The main thing that made it evident was the fact that Quirrell wasn't at his usual seat and the Professor's table or anywhere else from what he could see, and soon found that he wouldn't have to wait long for the answers.

He looked up along with everyone else when the Great Hall doors flew open with a loud bang and Quirrell came running into the room in a mad panic, panting frantically trying to catch his breath. "T-Troll in the D-Dungeons!" He stuttered frantically over the stunned silence, "just thought you ought to know." He stated breathlessly, before falling face first to the floor in a faint.

Silence seemed to echo loudly in the Great Hall for a moment. Before chaos erupted and the students jumped to their feet, screaming.

Rayden and Braeden however both stayed silent and seated, Rayden not taking his suspicious eyes off the sprawled form of Quirrell in the middle of the hall.

"SILENCE!" Shouted Dumbledore, his voice bouncing off the walls and over the noise of the screaming children. Effectively stunning them into silence once more. "Prefect's calmly organise your fellow house mates and follow your Head's of House as they escort you to your common rooms." Ordered Dumbledore loudly but calmly rising to his feet, "the rest of the Teachers follow me." He said cheerfully. To cheerful to not be suspicious as far as Rayden was concerned, knowing the old fool more than likely helped Quirrell in this little display one way or another. How else could a Professor under his leadership sneak in something as large and dangerous as a troll into a school he was in control of, nothing of that size could get past his knowledge, even if a Vampire attending his school could.

Rayden noticed Snape walk to the Slytherin table and told them to follow him as McGonagall walked to her own house, said something to the prefect then followed the Headmaster, Flitwick following behind her.

He figured they must have allowed their own house prefects to take the rest of the house and make their own way to their common rooms whilst they went to give the Headmaster some help.

"They send us back to the Dungeons knowing the troll is there!" Braeden commented rolling his eyes, "pathetic!" He muttered quietly.

"That's probably why Snape's escorting us!" Rayden said absently as they left the Great Hall, keeping an eye on Quirrell all the while.

Rayden turned around occasionally as they walked across the Entrance Hall, and once they made it to the Dungeon's entrance and before going down the stairs, Rayden turned around once more and looked into the Great Hall and saw Quirrell stand up, looking around himself carefully.

Smirking Rayden looked back to Braeden. "Cover for me!" He said quickly, then slipped away as the rest of the Slytherin's walked down the stairs and turned the corner.

Braeden watched Rayden stalk away silently in shock and opened and closed his mouth a few times wanting to stop him or at least go with him, but knowing neither was going to happen, as Rayden was already too far away and he would only be drawing attention to him, so decided he would do as he was told if he needed to. After all Rayden was still his Prince so he couldn't go against an order.

Rayden stealthily followed Quirrell to the third floor, stalking his steps like a predator would his prey. They walked through the empty forbidden corridor and Rayden stopped at a corner and stepped behind it peering around the edge, he waved his wand at himself and hissed softly a Parsel invisibility spell. Rayden smirked as he watched from his hidden position as Quirrell stopped in front of a large wooden door and quickly glanced behind himself making sure he wasn't being followed before turning back around, pulling his wand out and pointing it at the door muttering an unlocking spell.

The door clicked open and Quirrell walked into the room behind it, stopping in his tracks as soon as his eyes landed on what lay beyond it.

Rayden watched, gleaming emerald eyes taking in the scene with sick enjoyment as the enormous three headed dogs mouth's snarl and snap at the intruder their sharp teeth coming close to the man in front of them as the dogs' drool dribbled down on him. A paw raised and slashed at Quirrell. The man quickly jumped back but was caught on the left leg, cutting him on the side of his calf. The man spun around and quickly ran out of the room, slamming the door behind him and running back down the corridor and past Rayden, swearing under his breath.

Rayden smirked amusement, at least now he knew one of the things blocking his way to the stone. He knew the Cerberus could only belong to the half giant oaf Hagrid. Knowing no-one else would own one.

Making his way quietly back down to the Dungeon's, Rayden made it as far as the second floor before having to quickly step off the path and hide as Dumbledore, McGonagall and Flitwick escorted Weasley, Granger, Finnigan, Thomas and Longbottom in the direction of the Hospital Wing, all looking the worse for wear. Once they passed him he continued his way back to the Slytherin common room, smirking happily all the while. He decided to wait till Christmas break to ask his Father how to get past the three headed dog.

He reached the common room, but no-one except a regal looking man in a portrait above the fireplace noticed the door sliding open admitting an invisible someone then sliding closed once more. Salazar Slytherin smirking in the general direction of the invisble boy even if he couldn't see him.

Rayden was glad to see Braeden had left the dormitory door opened for him to slip in unnoticed. He snuck silently into the room and made his way past Malfoy, Braeden and Zabini and to his bathroom quietly, grateful to see his way was clear. Once inside his bathroom he closed the door and cancelled the spell, before jumping in for a quick shower. He walked back into the dorm room once he was finished and over to his bed.

"Where did you come from?" Malfoy blurted in surprise.

"The bathroom!" Rayden answered like it was the most obvious thing in the world and looking at Malfoy like he was an idiot gesturing with his hand to the bathroom door.

"I didn't see you go in there!" Malfoy narrowed his eyes in suspicion, face still slightly red in embarrassment from his previous outburst.

"Why would you? Unless your watching my every move?" Rayden smirked. Malfoy's face turning a brighter shade of red again.

"No!" He answered a little too quickly, embarrassing himself more.

Rayden raised an eyebrow mockingly, "right!" He nodded slowly, smirking again at the blonde's obvious discomfort as Rayden sat on his bed and looked over at his smirking Vampire. "Goodnight Braeden." He said, putting emphasis on the name and looking pointedly back at Malfoy, making sure the boy understood the conversation was over between them and to shut up, also making it clear that he wasn't talking to him and wishing him a good night as if they were friends, as the boy had opened his mouth ready to say something more. His lips quirked into a small devilish smirk, satisfied when Malfoy's mouth slammed shut with an audible snap before the blond narrowed his eyes accusingly at Rayden but said nothing more. Zabini shook his head quietly then looked back down at his homework trying to ignore the rest of them. Which was fine by Rayden.

"Night to you too Rayden!" Braeden smirked pleased.

They both got into their respective beds and Rayden went through his nightly rituals before falling into Morpheus' embrace.

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Quirrell was standing in front of the Headmaster's desk. "Was the plan successful?" He asked curiously. He thought it was a good plan and wanted to know if it worked.

"No, I'm afraid it did not." Sighed Dumbeldore disappointed.

"Oh!" Quirrell frowned, "I was sure it was a good plan." He muttered more to himself then the man sitting behind his large desk.

"Yes it was a good plan," Dumbledore agreed, "but it didn't work, Rayden didn't do anything!" He confirmed more than a little frustrated.

"How could he not, the troll would've been directly in his path?" Quirrell asked confused.

Dumbeldore sighed again his twinkling eyes dimming slightly. "It looks like the troll left the Dungeons area before he managed to get there after you arrived in the Great Hall, as it made it's way to the girls bathroom on the second floor where the unsuspecting Miss Hermione Granger was, at that time," the twinkle in his eyes returned, "it turns out that as we followed the troll, we found Mr's Ronald Weasley, Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan and Neville Longbottom there trying to rescue her, all of them needing medical attention in the end though." He finished happily.

Quirrell not really caring, nodded politely anyway.

"No matter, we shall not give up," Dumbledore stated, "maybe you could talk to him and give him a push in the right direction if it looks like he's not getting any closer to discovering the stone." He suggested thoughtfully.

"Is there any ideas of how I can do that or any information I should know to make it easier for me to help him, or any clues?" Quirrell asked hopefully, trying to coax any information out of the Headmaster about how to get past the three headed dog guarding the trap door, short of coming straight out and asking knowing he couldn't let on to Dumbledore that he knew about it.

"If I feel the time is right and you need help, I will help you, but for now I will leave it in your capable hands." Dumbledore finally answered, smiling brightly, eyes twinkling.

"Thank you Sir!" Quirrell relented inclining his head. He recognised a lost battle when he saw one, and he couldn't push it and hoped the man didn't suspect anything already. It looked to him like it was down to his patience and nothing more at this stage.

"Not a problem, my boy." Smiled Dumbledore pleased. "Good luck."

"Thank you Sir." Quirrell repeated, "Goodnight Headmaster!" He said before leaving the office.

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December rolled around quickly for Rayden, bringing the winter snow along with it. He kept himself busy studying his third year books and doing his homework quickly as it came easier to him then most because he had studied this material and his second year material since he was seven and had first gotten his wand, thanks to Sirius. He helped Braeden whenever he needed it, the Vampire being a quick learner and not needing his help all that much.

It was Friday afternoon and he was sitting in the Library with Braeden after agreeing to finish their homework there once flying lessons where over, when the same Hufflepuff boy cautiously approached him. "This is from Professor Dumbeldore." He muttered quietly not making eye contact with Rayden as he handed him a rolled up parchment.

Rayden took it and smirked in amusement when the boy spun on his heels and took off frightened as if worried Rayden was going to chase him and bite his head off for having the nerve to speak to him, regardless if it was under orders by the Headmaster.

"Here we go again." Rayden said quietly as he opened the letter.

Dear Harry,

I wish to see you this evening after dinner concerning an important issue I need to discuss with you. Please come alone this time. I'm sure you would appreciate my desire for privacy.

P.S. Don't you think Lolly Pops are delicious?

See you then,

Headmaster Albus Dumbledore.

"What a moron!" Rayden said after reading it. He handed it to Braeden, allowing him to read it next.

"Who gives him the right to call you Harry?" he whispered quietly, obviously peeved. "I knew he would make a point to tell you to come alone from now on." He said rolling the letter up and handing it back to Rayden.

"Yeah I know!" Rayden agreed putting the letter in his pocket. They put the rest of their school things away in their bags then made their way to dinner.

Once dinner had finished Rayden made his way to Dumbledore's office quickly, eager to get it over and done with. He reached the Gargoyle and uttered the password. Making sure his shields were at their strongest then made his way up the spiral staircase and to the door, knocking once then entering when he was told to and stood in front of the desk crossing his arms over his chest, preferring not to sit.

"Welcome Harry, please take a seat my boy." Dumbledore smiled gesturing to a seat.

"I'm fine thanks sir!" Rayden smiled in return wishing he could gouge out the mans twinkling eyes before shoving them down his throat. What gave him the right to not only call him Harry but to call him his boy. It made Rayden sick.

"Would you like a lemon drop?" Dumbledore tried instead.

"No, I'm fine thank you Sir!" He repeated, resisting the urge to roll his eyes, "you wished to discuss something with me Sir?" He asked impatiently, showing he just wanted to get to the point so he could leave.

"Fair enough, my boy." Dumbeldore said slightly disappointed. Rayden gritted his teeth wishing for nothing more at the moment than to rip the mans tongue out of his mouth if he said that one more time. Vowing to one day pay the bastard back for everything he's ever done and even thought to do to his family.

"I was wondering what your plans were for the Christmas break?" Dumbledore inquired looking over his half-moon spectacles questioningly. Interrupting Rayden's fantasies about how he could play with his food before killing the old man painfully.

"I'm going home Sir!" Rayden frowned faking ignorance.

"Do you think it wise Harry?" Dumbledore tried.

"What do you mean Sir?" Rayden asked puzzled, trying to figure out how the man planned to try and change his mind.

"Well it would probably be safer for you to stay at Hogwarts for the holidays, don't you think." Dumbledore said seriously.

"It won't be any more dangerous at my home than it has been already Sir... because there is no danger there. You have nothing to worry about Professor!" Rayden assured, not surprised in the least at the audacity of the man.

"If your sure?" Dumbledore said reluctantly knowing he couldn't say more without looking suspicious and knowing he couldn't make the boy change his mind, short of imprisoning him at the school, which would only drive the boy further away.

"I'm sure Sir. I'm perfectly safe at home!" Rayden smiled again, "unless your implying my guardian is incompetent after raising me for ten years of my life?" Rayden asked innocently, while smirking on the inside.

"No.. No, of course not my boy." Dumbledore smiled reassuringly, the twinkle in his eyes noticeably dimming.

As much as Rayden wanted nothing more than to maim the fool, he felt satisfaction in having trapped the old man into allowing him to go home for the holidays, unless he wanted to look like an interfering Headmaster trying to control his students and showing favouritism, not that he would've or couldv'e stopped Rayden from going home. "Was that all Sir?" Rayden asked raising an eyebrow questioningly.

"Yes, that was all, you may go." Dumbledore answered inclining his head in defeat, for now.

"Thank you Sir!" Rayden replied turning and walking to the door he almost faltered in his steps slightly when he felt a spell hit his back, he knew the man had probably placed a tracking charm on him and decided to let him think he didn't notice before exiting the office with a smirk. He made his way back to his dorm and got ready for bed.

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It was a week until Christmas break and the Saturday evening found Rayden and Braeden sneaking into the Forbidden Forest, Braeden wanted to take the risk and drink his delivered blood outside instead of sneaking it into the bathroom for a change of scenery whilst he fed. Rayden thought it had something to do with the fact that most of the time he went hunting he fed outside. Rayden didn't mind though, it gave them something to do in a place they wouldn't be followed or overheard by any students. But that didn't stop them from constantly looking over their shoulders and keeping their eyes, ears and senses alert. Rayden looked around himself again feeling like he was being watched but not seeing anyone or anything, even though he was sure of it he still shrugged it off reluctantly as it being his paranoia and just the creatures of the forest he wasn't suppose to be in.

They made their way to a small clearing and sat down on the cold grass where no snow had gotten between the thick trees and settled on the ground. Stretching their legs and laying down making themselves comfortable and looking at the tree tops and the bits of slowly darkening sky they could see. The forest was a mix of green, brown and white all around them, casting an ethereal feel to their surroundings.

"Aren't you worried about being alone with a Vampire in the middle of a forest with the darkness of the night slowly approaching?" Braeden teased.

"No, should I be?" Rayden went along playfully.

Laughing, Braeden turned his head to his left, looking at Rayden. "I don't know, I can be pretty scary!" Braeden confessed his lips twitching.

"I'm sure you can be, but I doubt your stupid enough to show me!" Rayden smirked.

"True, but it would have been fun all the same!" Braeden pouted playfully.

"Don't worry, you'll get your chance to show me your inner animal one day," Rayden whispered with a smirk wiggling his eyebrows suggestively, before bursting out laughing at the stunned expression that seemed to settle itself on Braeden's face, "relax, I'm kidding," calming down as he stared at Braeden's face thoughtfully, "but you will get the chance to show me how dangerous you can be one day, that I guarantee!" He finished seriously.

"Good!" Was all Breaden could say, feeling somewhat disappointed he wouldn't get to show Rayden his 'inner animal' as Rayden had called it and he came to the conclusion that being eleven really sucked, thinking that was probably why Rayden didn't seem interested.

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Adaire watched her son enter the Forbidden Forest quietly looking for all the predator she knew he was, and stealthily followed him to the clearing he and the other young Vampire settle in, she could hope he was careful and knew what he was doing concerning the other Vampire, but she had a feeling he did and was going to be cautious. He was smart she knew, and guessed he would know what to do with him. she knew her son could sense her and the other Vampire more than likely could too, but she didn't care, and they couldn't see her anyway.

She quietly listened to the conversation and watched the interaction between the two young boys. She desperately wanted to go and talk to her son, hold him again for the first time in eleven years, she had missed so much of his childhood, his life. She watched from afar but that wasn't the same. But she knew she couldn't risk it at the moment, not when he wasn't alone and there were too many unknown answers. When the time was right, she would approach her son and husband, and their family will be reunited. Until then she would just quietly watch and wait. Knowing she couldn't do much more than that.

Feeling someone watching her, she knew it was time to leave, but not before she saw her son head back to school and knew he was safe, hoping the other Vampire wouldn't be stupid enough to come closer to her or her son.

As darkness descended quicker now, she watched as her son and his companion got to their feet after the young Vampire had consumed his blood and they had talked some more then headed back towards the castle, she followed silently at a distance behind them. Satisfied when they made it past the edge of the forest, she quietly turned away and disappeared, her whispered, "one day we will meet again, my beautiful child," dying on the soft winter breeze.

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Once Braeden had finished his blood, and Rayden had to admit, the moment he saw the blood trickle between the Vampire's lips, he was tempted to go hunt and would've done exactly that had he not been at Hogwarts. He was also tempted to lick the blood from the Vampires lips when he saw how much of a turn on it was. They chatted for a while, before leaving once it started to get too dark. Even if they could see in the dark it would've been hard to explain why they were leaving the Forbidden Forest, a place they weren't allowed to go into, during the night.

Rayden feeling like he was being spied on the whole time.

After dinner they made their way back to their dorm room in comfortable silence and got ready for bed. When Rayden came out of a nice long bath dressed in his black silk pyjamas, he sat on Braeden's bed next to him leaning his back against the headboard and stretching his legs out in front of him, making himself comfortable as if he owned it.

Leaning on his left side slightly, he looked over Braeden's shoulder to see what he was reading. It was their Transfiguration book. "Anything you need help with or you just browsing through it due to boredom?" Rayden muttered softly in Braeden's ear, feeling the involuntary shudder travel through the boys cold body, he raised his eyebrow a fraction as he could sense Malfoy's eyes on them and looked through his still wet bangs, narrowing his own eyes in irritation when the boy quickly looked back down at whatever he was pretending to read.

"Boredom!" Braeden answered quietly once he felt he was able to talk, frowning in displeasure at the boy on the other side of the room.

"Hey Harry?" Malfoy interrupted.

Rayden slowly looked over at the boy and narrowed his cold emerald orbs not happy about being called Harry by anyone but also not liking the fact this ponce thought he had the right. "What?" he said sharply.

"What are you doing for the Christmas holidays?" Malfoy ventured bravely. He knew he was taking a risk asking but thought it was worth it.

"Why? What's it to you?" Rayden asked coldly.

Pausing and looking, in Rayden's opinion, to be mustering up his courage, Malfoy cleared his throat and continued. "I was wondering if you wanted to come to mine for the holidays -" he paused at the slight sneer forming on Rayden's face, but pushed on, "- I've already asked my parents and they say it's fine.. I thought it would be a good chance for us to get to know each other better outside of - " he stopped himself from continuing when Rayden's eyes narrowed significantly and a heavy ominous feeling descended upon the room.

"Why would you presume I would want to spend my Christmas break with you and your family instead of my own?" He asked in almost a whisper, he continued when it looked like Malfoy was going to answer, "when you know I'm not interested in getting to know you better, as you put it, which I have made perfectly clear from the moment I saw you, and to have the audacity to ask your parents without knowing my answer first, unless you thought for some stupid reason that would sway me," He tilted his head slightly to the side, "for someone who prides them self on their manners, surely is lacking!" He half smirked as he watched the boys pale cheeks flush pink in embarrassment.

Rayden just stared through his bangs, not removing his eyes from Malfoy's as the boy stuttered a bit before giving up and closing his mouth.

"I'm not interested, so go give it to someone who wants it!" He finished, finally turning away and looking back at the book in Braeden's lap. Letting his magic and temper settle back down.

After a short moment of peace and quiet, it was interrupted by Malfoy once more. "You know there are rumours going on around the castle about you!" Malfoy stated more than asked, in what Rayden thought was a poor attempt at revenge for embarrassing the boy.

"Of course there is, I'm Harry Potter, do you think I'm stupid?" Rayden said calmly not even bothering to spare the boy a glance.

"No, but maybe you haven't been listening to what they're saying." Malfoy smirked.

"Why would I listen to the pathetic ramblings of children who have nothing better to do than gossip?" Rayden asked, shaking his head in mock disappointment.

"Well the gossip going around is that you two aren't really a couple because no-ones seen you closer than what just friends normally are!" Malfoy said smugly, as if uncovering a great secret that had been kept hidden for centuries.

Rayden snorted quietly, he knew the boy was jealous and thought the whole thing was quite amusing, annoying, but amusing. "What, are we suppose to show our affection publicly now, what do you people want us to do? Fuck each other on the Professor's table in the Great Hall whilst everyone is trying to enjoy their dinner," Rayden snorted again at the shocked looks he was receiving from the two boys across from them, listening to Braeden snicker next to him as he continued flicking through his book casually, "don't you think that would look kind odd at our age?" Rayden asked mockingly, glancing at Braeden with a smirk, it was true Vampires mature earlier in more ways than one, than humans, but he knew it would look strange to these peoples delicate views if they were to walk around the school holding hands and what not, being two eleven year old boys in their eyes, and it would make the teachers watch them even more than he needed or wanted, not to mention the fact that they weren't even really a couple, it wasn't his fault the students made a rumour out of a joke that was to get people to leave him alone and not try to approach him, unless they wanted him to do something drastic to keep them away.

"That's just what everyone's starting to say!" Malfoy shrugged once he got over his shock.

"And your telling me this because...?" He trailed off expectantly as if waiting for an answer, knowing exactly why he was telling him.

"I just thought you had the right to know." Malfoy smiled.

"How kind of you, but maybe the real reason is because your jealous, or maybe you want something to fantasize about and was hoping we would give you a good view!" Rayden smirked. He felt Braeden's body tense slightly next to him, as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

Malfoy's face turned red once again, though Rayden didn't know if it was embarrassment or anger, maybe a bit of both but he didn't really care, if he wanted a show, Rayden would give him one. If it pissed him off, good.

He turned to look at Braeden, and put his hand on his left cheek, he gently turned the surprised Vampires head, forcing him to look at him and cupped his face, he smirked briefly before leaning forward and pressing his lips softly to Braeden's, hearing the book fall to the floor with a thud. The Vampire opened his mouth slightly with a surprised but unnecessary gasp and Rayden took advantage of it and slipped his tongue between the parted lips, Braeden opened his mouth further allowing Rayden better access to deepen the kiss. Rayden slowly slid his tongue over Braeden's, savouring the sweet blood he could taste still lingering in the Vampires mouth from his earlier feed, and was suddenly overcome by desire. Braeden's moans were swallowed by Rayden as the kiss became more passionate and heated and Rayden pushed Braeden down on the bed, never breaking the kiss. Placing himself on top of the other Vampire and allowing himself to forget for the moment where he was, feeling the eyes on them and not giving a damn. Braeden submitting himself willingly to Rayden sent a pleasant chill through his body, like nothing he had ever felt before. Braeden arched his back bringing his hips up into Rayden's body and groaned softly in absolute pleasure, Rayden could feel the young Vampire's erection pressing into him. Just as his hands started to roam over the other boys body slowly trailing up Braeden's thigh, and starting to need air, Rayden broke the kiss before they lost all control.

Panting slightly he looked down at Braeden then pushed himself up into a sitting position once his body recovered from it's excitement. The silence rang loudly in the dorm room and Rayden got to his feet. "Was that confirmation enough?" He smirked to the stunned red faces of the boys on the beds opposite them.

"Night," he whispered, turning and looking down at the still shocked, but obviously also still aroused, staring Vampire still laying in the position Rayden had pushed him into.

"Night." Braeden muttered quietly, not taking his eyes off Rayden and watched as he got into bed and pulled his curtains closed.

Shaking himself out of his aroused stupor Braeden pulled his own curtains closed, ignoring the stares of the other boys across from him and tried to relax his excited mind and body enough to get to sleep.

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It was the day they were heading home for the Christmas holidays and Rayden hadn't had the chance to talk to Braeden privately about the kiss they had shared. He knew the Vampire was avoiding the issue, he also knew Braeden had a crush on him, he wanted to tell Braeden it didn't mean what he thought it did and it was just a kiss, he had a feeling the boy knew what he wanted to say and that being the reason he was avoiding the subject and pretending like it never happened, and if that was the case then so be it. They were still as they were before, only whenever they got close enough to touch or the subject ventured into the topic of the kiss Braeden would either change the subject or cautiously move further away from him. But Rayden just shrugged it off, knowing the boy would eventually get over it.

The rumours about the seriousness of their relationship had travelled through the castle, as Rayden knew it would, and they were still talking about it a week later. It pissed him off. He hoped they would get over it and talk about something or someone else after the holidays. But he was happy about the fact no-one bothered him to his face about it or tried to talk to him in gerneral.

He was looking forward to going home and having a much needed and wanted break from the suffocating school and spending time with Sirius and his Father. He also wanted to go hunting and knew his Father would take him. He was thinking about asking Sirius to come with them even though he doubted the man would.

They finally made it to Kings-cross Station after the long train ride from Hogsmeade and Rayden along with his familiars met the long blond haired, blue eyed disguise of Sirius on the platform. Rayden was slightly surprised as Sirius pulled Rayden into a tight hug, "I've missed you so much." Sirius whispered in his ear. Causing Rayden to close his eyes for a brief second, imagining them being much more than Sirius allowed for.

"I've missed you too." Rayden smiled hugging the man back just as fiercely breaking himself out of his fantasy. He didn't know why but Sirius was the only human he could tolerate and felt relieved he would be able to spend some time with him after these last few months. Letters just weren't the same.

After letting go of each other, Sirius pulled out his wand and waved it over Rayden muttering a string of spells before Rayden could even say anything, "you have a tracking charm on you!" He said once he was finished with his scanning.

"I know!" Rayden growled.

Sirius looked at him in surprise, "You know? Why didn't you take it off of you?" He asked confused.

"I wanted him to think I didn't know!" He smirked.

Sirius looked at him confused for a moment before shrugging his shoulders, knowing Rayden would have his weird little reason's. "Don't worry then, I'll take care of it." Sirius said waving his wand again, "there all finished." Sirius smiled.

"Thanks!"

"No worries, here grab a hold of this." Sirius said holding out a newspaper for Rayden to take.

"You know were being watched by Snape, don't you? He's over by the end of the train!" Rayden whispered casually.

Sirius turned to where Rayden indicated and sure enough his eyes landed on the greasy haired man dressed in black, and smirked knowing there was no way their port-key could be traced seeing as though it was an illegal one and therefore not registered by the Ministry, making it untraceable and that being why it was illegal to make one.

Rayden also looked to his Head of House and smirked as the man narrowed his eyes suspiciously, Sirius waved as Rayden grabbed hold of the port-key and they disappeared in a swirl of colours and landing in their Library seconds later. Both looked at each other and chuckled quietly.

After calming down Rayden sighed quietly in relief, he knew he missed home, but he just didn't realise how much until his feet landed on the floor and his eyes roamed over the comforting familiar place of where he belonged.

"Welcome back, even if it is only for a short time!" Sirius said from his side.

"It's good to finally be back," Rayden grinned, as his Father chose that moment to enter the room, Rayden walked over to him and gave his Father a hug.

"Welcome home son, I trust everything is well?" Enquired Voldemort holding Rayden at arms length and looked him over with his blood red eyes.

"Everything's fine Father and it's good to be home!" Rayden answered honestly.

"Why don't you go wash up before dinner and have an early night, I'm sure your tired and tomorrow night I'll take you hunting." Voldemort suggested, and Rayden knew his Father could tell he needed a good feed. It had been a while and he was a growing Vampire after all.

"Sounds good, I was going to ask if I could go hunting while I was home!" Rayden agreed.

"Well that's settled then, we'll see you at dinner."

Rayden nodded and made his way to his room, taking a nice hot bath to relax his tense body. Glad to finally be home even if it wasn't for long.

-----------------------

It was almost ten in the evening and Rayden was waiting in the Library for his Father to enter the room so he could take him hunting, he looked up at the sound of the door opening, expecting to see his Father, only to see Sirius walk in.

"Hey Rayden!" Sirius smile cheerfully sitting beside him and throwing an arm around his shoulder casually, and Rayden just wanted to melt in the half embrace but knew he couldn't, instead he just remained still.

"Hey Sirius!" Rayden smiled softly. "You know I've missed you heaps these few months." Rayden admitted quietly.

"I've missed you too, it's been way too quiet!" Sirius smiled.

"Are you saying I'm noisy?" Rayden glared playfully.

"Of course I am!" Sirius grinned cheekily.

Shaking his head Rayden decided now was a good a time as any to ask Sirius what he had been wanting to, feeling it best to be now while he's in such a good mood and decided to just spit it out. "What are your plans for tonight, Sirius?" Rayden asked turning in his seat slightly to look at the man better.

"Nothing much, why?" Sirius asked curiously.

"Well I wanted to ask you if you wanted to join Father and I tonight!" Rayden more stated than asked, he wasn't really sure how Sirius would take the suggestion, so decided to tread carefully, but be blunt about it.

"Just because I've come to terms with and excepted who you are, doesn't mean I want to watch you murder innocent people." Sirius said tensely, his arm loosening it's grip around Rayden's shoulder.

Hurt, but not entirely surprised Rayden removed the arm from his shoulder completely and looked Sirius in the eyes. "I'm not 'murdering innocent people' as you put it, I'm hunting Sirius it's what I do, It's a part of who I am, I need to feed just like everyone else, even if I can feed on other things, like human food, I still need some blood every once in a while, it's a part of my diet no matter what you or anyone else wants or likes." Rayden explained defensively, "and for someone who supposedly understands this, and excepts it, seems to be having a lot of trouble proving it... I thought we were past all this Sirius." Rayden sighed sadly as his anger deflated a bit and his heartache made itself more known.

"I have excepted it, but I just don't want to see the beastly side of you." Sirius said almost shakily seemingly surprised at what slipped past his lips but unable to stop it all the same.

"Beastly..." Rayden echoed quietly, "beastly?" he said a little louder the anger evident in his posture while the hurt evident in his eyes, he ignored Sirius' wince, "you better get use to it Sirius, because come a couple of years and you'll only be seeing my 'beastly' side when I'm all Vampire and my only diet will be the blood of humans." Rayden snarled quietly. "I love you Sirius, but this can't keep going on like this, and I need to know you except all of me, no matter who or what I am for who I am, or else your going to lose me, and I don't want to lose you." Rayden sighed again and turned away from the man. It hurt to hear those words from the man he loved and needed in his life. And it made him angry to know Sirius had lied to him, telling him he excepted him for who he was, acting like everything was alright as long as he could push it aside and pretend it wasn't real. He didn't care so much that the man didn't want to come along on his hunting, but what he said, pissed him off, a lot.

At least he could take his frustrations out on some unsuspecting soul tonight. And maybe he was a beast but he wasn't going to apologise for something out of his control, he was who he was regardless of other people's wishes.

The air was so thick with tension Rayden couldv'e sliced it with his blade, Sirius looking like he wanted to say something but not knowing what. His Father walked in at that moment, he raised his eyebrow in silent question, "You ready to go Rayden?" Voldemort decided to asked instead.

"Yeah!" He answered standing up and walking to the middle of the room where they would be apparating from, "I'll see you later Sirius." He said glancing solemnly over his shoulder at the animagus still sitting slumped on the sofa, before grasping his Father's arm, not giving the man a chance to reply.

They reappeared on a building rooftop in the centre of London, "What was that all about?" Voldemort asked quietly, glancing at his son.

"The same old shit!" He sighed.

Voldemort nodded in understanding, the answer only confirming his suspicions, "I can have a 'chat' to him if you like?" Voldemort offered.

"No, I want him to see it for himself, he either will or he won't, I'm hoping he will of course, but I want him to realise it on his own, in his own time," He sighed again for what felt like the hundredth time, "Even if it is pissing me off!" he growled softly.

"I know what one of the things guarding the stone is now." Rayden muttered quietly breaking the silence that had settled between then as they walked along the edges of the rooftops, apparating from one to another, looking for an easy target.

"Oh?" Voldemort asked highly interested and waiting for his son to continue.

"Yeah, what I couldn't put in the letter I wrote to you about what happened on Halloween was that I followed Quirrell after slipping away, unnoticed of course so you don't need to worry," He assured as his Father's eyebrows rose up. At his Father's nod he continued, "I followed him to the third floor and saw him get attacked by a Cerberus that was guarding the trap door," He smirked in amusement, eyes glinting as he remembered how frightened the man had been, "It was quite funny actually," He chuckled quietly.

"Yes, I'm sure it was," his Father smirked, ruby eyes also glinting in amusement much like his son's.

"But what I need to know is how to get past it so I can tell Quirrell... can you tell me how to?" He asked, already knowing his Father would.

"The best way to do it is to play it some music to relax it enough to fall asleep, that might not always work but it's the best method." Voldemort explained.

Nodding slowly, Rayden made his way to the edge of a smaller building than the ones they had previously been on, and smirked coldly when his hungry eyes landed on the perfect meal. A young street boy of around thirteen sat in an alley with a fag in his mouth and a bottle of alcohol in his hand, looking as though he was waiting for someone. He decided he might as well put an end to the youth's miserable life, knowing no one was likely to miss him, but even if there was, Rayden really didn't care.

He jumped quietly off the roof and landed silently behind the boy. His stealth being uninterrupted as the boy continued smoking his fag, Rayden smirked as the boy exhaled and a small cloud of smoke exited his mouth. The only lights in the alley being from a distant lamp coming from the street the alley ran off, and the lit cigarette, casting eerie shadows on the walls with the soft glow.

He silently stalked forward like the predator he was, towards his prey and immobilised him with a wand-less spell, the cigarette stuck in one of the boys hands. Rayden ran a finger softly down the boys neck before bending down so his lips were close to the youths ear, "A bit young to be smoking and drinking aren't you?" Rayden purred, watching with pleasure as the boys eyes moved frantically, trying to see who was behind him, unable to move anything else or make a sound until Rayden allowed him to.

Smirking, Rayden slowly ran his tongue from under the boys earlobe down his neck to where it met his shoulder, his eyes snapped up when he sensed someone coming, he silently waited for whoever it was to interrupt him. He knew his Father was still on the roof watching and would intervene if he needed to. But Rayden was determined to do this on his own.

Another young boy of around the same age ran around the corner only to stop short at the scene in front of him. This boy, Rayden noticed, was just a bit shorter than himself, as he was pretty tall for his age, making for a very intimidating picture for an eleven year old.

Rayden elongated his canines and sank them into the soft, pale skin of the boys neck, his eyes never wavering from the boy standing at the entrance of the alley, relishing in the screams that erupted from his food as he released part of the spell just for that as it echoed off the alley walls, and deliberately not releasing his endorphins to numb the pain doing so almost on instinct, knowing he wanted to cause as much pain as he desired. He realised it all seemed to be getting easier to make them react how he wanted, instead of the lack of control he experienced previously and concluded it was probably due to him getting older and gradually maturing as a Vampire.

The other boy was frozen where he stood, too shocked to move. Watching as his friend, brother or possibly even lover was slowly and painfully drained of his life, growing weaker and colder by the second, this time it was without Rayden even needing to paralyse him with a spell.

Once he finished, he threw the boys pale lifeless body to the ground and ran faster than the shocked boys eyes could register, stopping in front of the scared boy, the boy looked up as at him as not of his own accord and when the teen met his red eyes he paled more than what Rayden thought was possible, Rayden smirked sadistically as the scent of urine hit his nose, taking great pride in causing someone such fear, he vaguely wondered what he looked like at that moment with his emerald orbs turned red with hunger as he fed, set in a pale smooth face, and droplets of blood on his lips as it slowly slipped over them and on the sides of his mouth from his long sharp fangs as he stood there in the darkened alley. The wetness on the boys groin seemed to snap him out of his fear induced trance, embarrassed and terrified the boy made to turn around and run, but Rayden quickly grabbed the boys shoulders before the youth could even blink, and sank his already bloody fangs in his second victims neck, piercing the soft flesh easily. Listening to the teenagers agony filled screams, the sound music to his sensitive ears.

Unlike his last hunt, there would be no stopping this time, he knew how to and could do it if he wanted, but he didn't want to, he really didn't want to as the sweet blood ran smoothly down his throat as his half lidded eyes glazed over in bliss as a pleasurable fog settled over his mind, his body and senses staying alert all the while as he drowned in a coppery induced ecstasy.

Eventually the boy stopped screaming and Rayden, as before, dropped the limp body to the ground. He drew out his wand and vanished the body before walking over to the other one laying still on the dirty ground and repeated the spell.

His Father apparated beside him, smirking triumphantly as he looked at him with what Rayden could identify as pride and he grabbed hold of his Father's arm again and they disappeared into the semi darkness.

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January 8th 1992

Rayden was sitting at the Slytherin table with Braeden, eating breakfast. Deciding not to send his Father a letter until after he spoke to Quirrell after class before today's lunch, he was not expecting anything when owl post arrived. Ignoring it he continued to enjoy his meal.

He was therefore surprised when Sirius' raven, named Raven as Sirius' idea of a joke, landed on the table in front of him, he wasn't expecting anything from Sirius either, even though he left home on strained speaking terms with his animagus.

Removing the rolled up parchment from Raven's leg, he pushed his plate towards the large bird for him to help himself and peered up through his bangs to see almost everyone staring at him strangely, "WHAT?" he snapped loud enough to make a few people closest to him jump, as everyone quickly looked away. He guessed they weren't use to seeing mail delivered by anything but an owl. But he didn't give a shit.

Shaking his head in annoyance he looked back down to see the bird waiting for him patiently. He was planning on reading the note privately and replying to it when he wrote his Father's. Sighing he carefully shook his wand from his holster and summoned a small piece of parchment, his quill and ink, and quickly wrote a reply letting Sirius know he would write him back later when he was alone, and send it with Amdis.

Rolling up the note when he finished, he calmly held it out in his palm, resting the back of his hand on the table for Raven to take. The black bird opened his large wings for balance as he gently took the note with a sharp claw, before pecking affectionately at the tip of a finger a little too hard and drawing a spot of blood. Rayden smirked in amusement and placed his finger tip to his lips and sucked, feeling it heal from his saliva. He snorted and shook his head in exasperation when Raven circled above him twice before taking flight and leaving the way he came.

He placed the letter in his pocket, banished his quill and ink back to his room with another flick of his wand. Ignoring the stares he was recieving again. He casually pulled the plate back in front of himself and continued his breakfast as if nothing had interrupted him in the first place.

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It was now almost lunch and Rayden was waiting for Defence Against The Dark Arts to end so he could approach Quirrell.

"I-I expect a two f-foot essay on the b-babbling curse and it's e-effects, to b-be handed in n-next l-l-lesson." Quirrell stuttered.

"It's amazing that he chooses that curse for us to study when he stutters like a babbling fool!" Braeden whispered in his ear. The holiday seeming to do him good as he was now able to get close to Rayden again without short of flinching away.

Rayden snorted quietly. "Well maybe he's trying to tell us something." He smirked watching Quirrell, he knew the stutter was an act and quite frankly Rayden wondered how the man could put up with having to act the way he did. The blokes stuttering drove him crazy.

"Like what?" Braeden asked slightly confused.

Turning his head in Braeden's direction he quickly glanced at Weasley. "That there are people in this class who babble too much!" He said referring to more than one person in the room, his smirk widened when Braeden turned to see who he was smirking at and Weasley's red freckled face turned to them narrowing his eyes in hatred.

"Ah!" Braeden nodded slowly as it quickly dawned on him as soon as his dark eyes met the other boys, "I guess your right." He agreed looking back to Rayden.

Rayden shrugged his shoulder indifferently.

"C-Class d-d-dismissed." Quirrell stuttered as the class ended, Rayden and Braeden having missed the rest of the announcement for their homework. He shrugged slightly to himself not really worried about it.

He packed his belongings away slowly, waiting for his class mates to leave, "wait for me outside!" He muttered so quietly to the Vampire so only he could hear him.

Braeden looked at him puzzled for a second before nodding in acceptance.

Once everyone had left the classroom Rayden cleared his throat, making Quirrell jump slightly and turn on his heel quickly before sighing when he saw Rayden standing behind him looking at him thoughtfully, "can I help you Mr Potter?" Quirrell asked clearly. Rayden's lips lifted into a sly smirk, noticing the lack of a stutter due to him being caught off guard.

Quirrell must have realised the same thing when his eyes widened a fraction and he cleared his throat anxiously, waiting for Rayden to speak, and knowing the boy had noticed, but hoping he wouldn't think too much of it.

"Actually Professor, I was wondering if you could help me with some homework?" Rayden asked in fake embarrassment, while inside he was grinning like a fool.

"Oh?" Quirrell frowned nervously, remembering he had to act that way, "w-why would y-you n-need my help, w-when your the t-t-top of my c-class?" He stuttered out finally.

"Well that's the thing Professor, it's not really homework, more a personal reason, you see it's third year level that's why I waited till we were alone, I didn't think it would be appreciated by the students and I knew you could help me and not let on that I'm far ahead, it's kind of embarrassing for me to come to you for help Sir." Rayden admitted as innocently as he could muster, which was pretty convincing if Quirrell's reaction was anything to go by.

"I u-understand," Quirrell smiled, "w-what is it y-you need h-help with?" he asked kindly.

"It's about Vampires Sir, and as we all know, you know more about them than anyone else, so I was wondering if you could tell me?" Rayden asked hopefully. Rayden smirked on the inside when he saw Quirrell give a small flinch after he mentioned the word Vampire. As he said, it was well known the man had an encounter with one.

"I-if it's th-that i-important to y-you, I will h-happily give y-you my n-notes on V-V-Vampires," he swallowed, and Rayden had the sneaking suspicion the mans stutter on the word 'Vampire' hadn't been an act. "I will g-give them t-to you after our n-next lesson."

"Thank you Sir!" Rayden smiled in what he hoped looked like gratefulness. He turned and walked to the door.

"J-Just don't g-go g-getting into any t-trouble with any V-Vampires." Quirrell joked nervously, trying to lighten his own mood.

Rayden's smile grew a fraction in hidden amusement, "I don't think I could find any around here even if I wanted to." Rayden chuckled softly, he turned to face Quirrell with his hand resting on the handle, his gaze intense as he looked into Quirrell's eyes, "and you know what they say, don't you?"

Quirrell silently shook his head, staring transfixed at the boy before him. He was a creepy one in Quirrell's opinion and something about his presence seemed eerily familiar.

"Sweet music always lets sleeping dogs lie." He half smiled and left the room as Quirrell opened his mouth to say something, and Rayden could only hope he could figure out what he had been talking about.

He met Braeden, who was standing in the shadows near the door outside the room and they slowly made their way to the Great Hall for lunch.

"If you wanted to know more about Vampires, I could have told you." Braeden whispered too low for human ears, sounding almost offended.

"I know!" Rayden half smiled knowing the Vampire would've been able to hear the conversation.

"So why didn't you?" Braeden frowned somewhat put out.

"Because, I needed Quirrell's help!" Rayden shrugged.

"You know you can ask me anything, don't you?" Braeden asked seriously.

Rayden looked at Braeden for a short minute. "Of course I do." He soothed. Braeden inclined his head in acceptance, pleased that at least Rayden knew he could talk to him, even if it was just for information.

"Guess who was trying to sneak into the room while you were in there!" Braeden asked as if just remembering something, when they reached the Entrance Hall, interrupting the peaceful silence they had been enjoying.

"Malfoy!" Rayden snorted.

"Yeah, he was one, Weasley, Granger and the rest of their 'gang' were the others."

"Really?!" Rayden sneered in annoyance.

"Yeah, they didn't see me waiting for you, probably thinking I left you or something, until they reached the door and by then it was too late and they quickly took off!" Braeden whispered softly as they sat down for lunch.

"So I've now got Weasley and his morons spying on me as well, trying to get closer to the mysterious and famous 'Harry Potter'." Rayden muttered sarcastically.

"Looks that way." Braeden agreed solemnly.

"Typical, there's no such thing as privacy when it comes to nosy meddling humans." He whispered glaring darkly into space, seemingly lost in his thoughts, and opting to ignore everyone around him. Rayden nibbled on his food as his thoughts drifted to what he had just found out. Now he had more people watching his every move. But at least he could take comfort in the fact that these little pricks would be easier to navigate around.

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Later that evening, after Rayden had done his nightly rituals, and cast his secrecy and locking charms, he wrote the letter to his Father telling him about Quirrell and that he would let him know of anything else that came up. Once he finished with that he removed Sirius' letter from his pocket and began to read.

Dear Rayden,

First I want to apologise for letting you leave the way you did when things were so tense and awkward between us and admittedly that was entirely my fault.

And second, I want to say I'm truly sorry for what I said to you, I never really got the chance to say that before you left because you just continued like nothing happened, and me being a coward, let you. Some Gryffindor I am, hey?

I never meant to hurt you and I know I did, deeply.

I do accept you, but it's still hard for me to see you like that, and for that, I'm sorry.

I didn't mean what I said, it just slipped out in my moment of, I guess what I would call, stunned stupidity from your question, as it caught me off guard, and I let the first thing that came to my head tumble out of my mouth, thanks to the mental image that flashed through my mind. But it's not what I truly feel about you, I promise, I just need to let you know that. I love you Rayden no matter what, and I hope you know that. I hate when things are like this between us and I realised how wrong I was when I watched you leave again.

I know it took me long enough to write to you, I wanted to tell you face to face, but gave up for the time being and settled with just a letter for now when I realised I couldn't come up with a way to see you without risking you getting caught.

Anyway, I miss you already and I'm so sorry. I hope you can forgive me.

Love always

Snuffles

Rayden finished the letter, a small smile gracing his lips. Sighing softly he began his reply.

Dear Snuffles

I'll try to make this quick because it is late.

I accept your apology, and I thank you for writing to me, it was unexpected, but made me very happy all the same.

I forgave you already Snuffles, that's why I acted like nothing had happened. Yes it's true that what you said hurt me deeply, but truthfully it also pissed me off to know that you had lied to me by saying you accepted me for who I am, when you really hadn't. But it's okay, because I know you still love me, and I feel you will eventually learn to be okay with me. All of me. I understand why you said what you did, and maybe I am a beast Padfoot, who are we to judge what is beastly and what is not? All I know is that I am who I am, and that's not going to change. And I'm happy with that, as I hope you will one day be too.

I also hate it when we fight. That was another reason why I let it go.

I better go because it's late and I'm feeling rather tired.

I miss you too, I always do when I'm not with you.

Always your love

Rayden

Satisfied, he sighed again and rolled his longer than intended letter, and tied it to one of Amdis' legs, tying his Father's letter on the other, "You know where to go!" Rayden whispered, gently stroking the Eagle's chest.

Amdis inclined his head slightly and allowed Rayden to place the usual charms on him, before spreading his dark wings and taking flight, disappearing as soon as he did so.

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A/N: Ok, so I finished this chapter now! I was going to make it longer but chose not to, I didn't want to make it tooo long Lol! I was going to leave out Sirius' letter and Rayden's reply but chose not to do that either! Anyway read and review and tell me what you think? :) Take care everyone! Also if anyone is interested in being my 'Beta' please let me know! Thanks.. Although I don't really know why I'm bothering to update it on here, it's not like anyone is following it anyway! But I guess I will for now anyway..

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